Visiting the deserts of Jordan can feel surreal—almost like stepping onto another planet. The desert is far from empty: Wadi Rum, its most famous valley, is a vast sea of towering peaks, red-hued rock formations, rolling dunes, and landscapes etched with ancient petroglyphs and even fossils. Petra stands as Jordan’s most iconic symbol. Its caves, temples, and tombs tell the story of a remarkable ancient civilization. Yet no matter how many photos of Petra you may see, nothing truly prepares you for the experience of standing there in person.